Union of South Africa

The Union of South Africa was a dominion of the British Empire that existed from 31 May 1910 to 31 May 1961, with Pretoria serving as its capital. The union was created after the British colonies of Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, and Orange River were united into one country; after World War I, German South-West Africa was added to South Africa. On 11 December 1931, South Africa became sovereign, and it became a constitutional monarchy ruled by a governor-general. In 1961, a new constitution was adopted, creating a republic outside of the Commonwealth.